Russell Hill is one of our newest Licensed Guides to have recently joined us. Russell is an Englishman living in Berlin and has been actively involved in the agile world for around 13 years.  If you would like to know more about Russ, here’s a little window into his soul.

What’s your favourite agile principle?

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I do like principle number 5; “Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done“. The inference to self-organising teams is loud and clear, and yet, it is often the most difficult principle to pursue. I encounter many leaders and managers who struggle with this notion, often due to the cultural environment in which they are surrounded. However, this principle is a great gateway into essential and often underappreciated discussions of necessary cultural changesneeded.

What’s your favourite (agile) memory?

When I first encountered the Ball Point Game and connected it to Empirical Process Control.  Many things clicked into place for me at this moment, and I still enjoy running the simulation all these years later.  The light bulb moments are now great to see in others.

What’s your superpower?

People tell me I am very good at explaining difficult or complex ideas in a way others can understand.  In workshops, when new topics are being discussed, I can usually find a way to get the message across and help people learn and understand new concepts.

What’s your kryptonite?

“One should never be so tolerant, as to tolerate intolerant people“. I don’t know who is credited for saying this, but I can connect it to some of my early coaching engagements. I have since learnt to focus my energy on those who will benefit from my efforts, and recognise those who will not.

If agile wasn’t a thing, what would you do for a career?

Well, like many boys growing up in England I wanted to become a professional footballer, but a lack of talent soon burst that balloon. I was always attracted to topics like mathematics and physics so I would have probably been an engineer or physicist, or something of that nature.

What attracted you to Agile Mastery Institute?

When I first became aware of AMI it immeaditly resonated with me because it would have been a great help 13 years when I first started out as a Scrum Master.  Just as passing a driving test doesn’t instantly make someone a good driver – attending a 2-day training course doesn’t make someone a Scrum Master.  The AMI Pathway is a great way to provide the support, guidance and coaching needed for people to truly reach mastery.

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My love of football has not wained, even though the aging legs can no longer run around for 90 minutes. I regualury watch Union Berlin FC battle it out in the Bundesliga and marvel at the beauty of watching a real team at work. Often we talk about teams in the workplace, but when we watch any professional sports team we are witnessing the characteristics of real teamwork.